JP2001189618A - Injection molded phased array antenna device - Google Patents

Abstract

A phased array antenna device includes a plurality of horn radiating elements 11 that are injection molded and metal plated. Multiple orthogonal mode splicers 12
Are coupled to the horn radiating elements 11, respectively. The crossed bulkheads 13 are each horn radiating element 11
Of the E and H planes to equalize radiation and increase radiating element gain. A non-contact through port partition and a side port partition are provided in each orthogonal mode junction device. The 90 degree E and H planar waveguides are coupled to appropriate side ports of a quadrature mode junction. Vertical and horizontal phase shifters 15 couple to each of the plurality of quadrature mode splicers. [Effect] A package arranged in high density (packag)
e) That is, a physically small array can be manufactured.
The length of the waveguide run can be shortened, thus reducing the insertion loss of the phased array antenna device.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a satellite, and more particularly to an injection molded phased array antenna device which can be used at low cost for a satellite.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In addition to lower cost and shorter delivery schedules, the current trend in synchronous orbit satellites and satellite antennas is to have larger power supplies and more payload capacity (including more independent antenna beams). payloa
d capability). Satellite antennas must be low cost, rapidly manufactured, and easy to install in spacecraft mounting locations, while meeting other requirements. Also, spacecraft with antennas and solar arrays must be fitted inside the shroud of a launch vehicle. Spacecraft mounting space and shroud volume are limited, and larger launch vehicles with larger shrouds are expensive.

[0003]

The transmitting and receiving functions are as follows.
Often divided into two antennas, each covering a narrow bandwidth, resulting in reduced transmission feed system losses and improved antenna beam shape optimization efficiency.
Improved transmit antenna performance reduces the cost associated with solar array DC power supplies, traveling wave tube amplifier (TWTA) RF power supplies, and thermal control.

[0004] Deployed shaped reflector antennas are often used to meet transmission requirements, and ground-facing deck-mounted reflector antennas are used to fulfill the receive function. A terrestrial deck structure is needed to hold the receive antenna reflector, sub-reflector, and RF feed. In the Ku-band, the projecting aperture of the terrestrial deck antenna diameter is typically 1.2 meters. The reflector, sub-reflector and structure are made of a graphite composite.

[0005] Therefore, it is advantageous to use an improved phased array antenna system using satellites which improves upon the conventional antenna. The present invention provides an injection-molded phased array antenna device that can be suitably used for a satellite.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A phased array antenna device includes a plurality of injection molded and metal plated plastic waveguide components. An embodiment of a practical phased array antenna device includes five injection molded plastic components, some of which require no secondary machining and others which require minimal machining. I do.

More specifically, a phased array antenna device includes a plurality of injection molded and metal plated radiating elements, wherein the radiating elements include injection molded and metal plated horn radiating elements. A plurality of injection molded and metal plated orthogonal mode splicers are each coupled to the horn radiating element. Crossed bulkheads are preferably located in the radiating aperture of each horn radiating element to equalize the E and H plane radiation and increase the radiating element gain. A non-contact through port partition and a side port partition are provided in each orthogonal mode junction device. The 90 degree E and H planar waveguides are coupled to appropriate side ports of a quadrature mode junction. Vertical and horizontal injection molded and metal plated phase shifters
It couples to each of the plurality of orthogonal mode splicers.

[0008] The injection molded and metal plated power combiner-divider network includes a plurality of cascaded vertically and horizontally polarized power combiner-divider elements, the output of the phase shifter and the 90 degree E. And the output of the H-plane waveguide. Each power combiner-divider network separates along a waveguide broadwall;
Both are riveted. This method of constructing a power combiner-divider network is relatively insensitive to disturbances. The wide wall split block technology used to fabricate the power combiner-divider network allows accurate injection molding without electrical performance degradation.

The plurality of subassemblies include a pair of horn and quadrature mode junctions, a pair of two-pass power combiners and
The two phase shifters are interconnected using spring clips, manufactured to include coupled to a plurality of eight-pass power combiner-divider networks, and joined together using intermediate structural panels. To be fixed. The plurality of assembled subassemblies are combined into a four-pass power combiner-splitter network set for each polarization and secured together using the main structural panel. Each set of the four-pass power combiner-divider network produces a vertical and horizontal polarized output of the antenna device, respectively.

Injection molding near net (net) dimensions is used to minimize machining that requires a variety of components. The phased array antenna device uses a waveguide slip joint, a plug-in mechanism, and a clip to facilitate assembly. Phased array antenna devices can be manufactured and assembled more quickly and at lower cost than conventional antennas.

[0011] By using injection molded components, a dense array of packages,
That is, a physically small array can be manufactured. By using injection molded components, the length of the waveguide run can be reduced, and therefore the insertion loss of the phased array antenna device can be reduced. Sliding joints allow components to slide or mesh together. This allows the use of clips that remove fasteners, reduce sensitivity during adjustment, and facilitate assembly.

[0012]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The various features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like structural elements. Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a device block diagram of a typical passive array antenna device 10 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 1. Passive array antenna device 1 shown in FIG.
0 has been implemented and a perspective view of the fully assembled device 10 is shown in FIG. A practical embodiment of the passive array antenna device 10 includes a 256 element passive direct radiation receiving array operating at 13.75 GHz to 14.5 GHz with two wavelength element spacing. Apparatus 10 has RF performance equivalent to that of a conventional 1.2 meter Gregorian dual polarized reflective antenna.

A typical passive array antenna device 10 includes:
It includes 256 horn radiating elements 11 or horns 11. Each 256 horn radiating elements 11 are integrated into a quadrature mode splicer 12 to produce 256 vertical and 256 horizontally polarized outputs. Each horn radiating element 11 also includes a partition 13 intersecting its opening to enhance directivity and improve equalization of the E and H planes.

A separate beamforming network 14 for each (vertical and horizontal) polarization provides the unique output required to produce two separate outputs associated with two independent beams of any desired shape. Used to establish proper phase and amplitude. Due to the substantial similarity of the vertically and horizontally polarized beam forming network 14, only the horizontally polarized beam forming network 14 will be described.

The horizontally polarized output generated by each horn 11 and quadrature mode splicer 12 passes through a predetermined constant phase shifter 15 and
It is coupled to the horizontally polarized output produced by the phase shifter 15, quadrature mode junction 12, and adjacent horn 11 in one of the path power combiner-divider networks 16. The 128 outputs of the two-pass power combiner-splitter network 16 are then combined by sixteen eight-pass power combiner-splitter networks 17 resulting in five four-pass power combiner-splitter networks 18
To produce a single horizontally deflected output.

Each eight-pass power combiner-divider network 17 comprises four two-pass power combiner-divider networks 1
6 and each four-pass power combiner-splitter network 18 includes two two-pass power combiner-splitter networks 16, each having a total of 255 2 in the vertically and horizontally deflected beamforming network 14. The path power combiner-divider network 16. Each two-pass power combiner-divider network 16 has a predetermined constant output power ratio that, together with the phase shifter 15, uniquely determines any desired output beam shape.

In the antenna device 10, when the RF beam forming network 14 is made by injection molding, it is designed to produce "general" components. Each "generic" shaped beam forming network 14 becomes "individual" because the desired power supply division ratio is controlled by computer numerical control (CNC) for each composite ring power combiner.
After being machined into divider networks 16, 17, 18. By molding a "near net shape", the economics of high volume, low cost manufacturing methods (ie, injection molding and CNC machining) are realized. Even with minimal secondary machining operations, it allows for specific antenna applications and greater design freedom for all RF components. The net shape phase shifter 15 can be quickly and easily "fitted in" to change characteristics or set to desired characteristics.

Table 1 shows typical continental United States (CONUS)
Is designed to generate coverage that is adjacent to
For a typical practical antenna device 10 (shown in FIG. 2)
Of the calculated loss and peripheral effective range (edge-of-cove
rage = EOC). Practical Ann
The beam forming network 14 of the tenor device 10_1
1WR62 operating in mode and half of WR62
Manufactured in a waveguide of height and formed in a U-shape
The waveguide phase shifter 15 and the internally terminated
Combined ring power combiner-divider network 16, 1
7, 18 are used. The RF performance of each component is
And optimized, then the aluminum model
Inspected by If circularly polarized light is desired,
Cover 21 used in antenna device 10 which has been used
(FIG. 6) has an additional 0.1 dB loss
3-layer meanderline polarizer 21b
(FIG. 6).

Table 1. Edge of range gain Receiving range of the continental United States (CONUS) Perimeter range of directivity Rectangular horn 31.0 dB Cross partition 0.5 dB Total directivity 31.5 dB Array antenna loss Mismatch loss 0.2 Insertion loss 0.4 Aperture cover loss 0.1 Total loss 0.7 Antenna EOC gain 30.8 The mechanical and manufacturing design of passive array antenna device 10 will now be discussed. To significantly reduce the cost of the final device 10, the injection molded and metal plated fiber reinforced thermoplastic waveguide components include a horn radiating element 11, a phase shifter 15, and a power combiner. Used for divider networks 16, 17, 18. The materials used in the practical embodiment of the passive array antenna device 10 have excellent physical and thermal properties, make highly repeatable components, and
Lightweight and easy to machine.

Metallization together with direct injection molding provides a power combiner-splitter network 16, 17, 18 along the waveguide wide wall axis exposing the interior surface.
Is guaranteed by splitting The power combiner-divider networks 16, 17, 18 are designed and injection molded near the net shape and then lightly "ring" region 2
8 is machined using a high-speed CNC to a predetermined constant power ratio. Internal RF load 2 for power combiner-divider networks 16, 17, 18
6 (FIGS. 7 and 8) are built in molds with their net shape and mounting state, and
When installed at 7, 18, it allows for supplementation. By injection molding to net and near net shapes, all components are manufactured in large quantities at relatively low cost and added to the inventory prior to their need, and thus delivery for the completed antenna array device 10 Reduce time.

The ease of assembly, integration, and testing has been considered in the design of passive array antenna device 10. To minimize the total number of parts possible, the flange is removed, a waveguide slip joint 33 (FIG. 3) is used, and the threaded fastener is replaced with a clip 23 (FIG. 3) and a lock-in mounting part 24. Is done. Where threaded components are required, lightweight synthetic materials are used. Excess material was made from injection-molded shards and interlocking self-jigging parts were used.

The injection molding tools used to make the components were made from a design drawing of a three-dimensional CAD file of the components of the injection molding. The CAD files were collated using a stereo rendering model. FIG. 2 shows an open cover support panel 2 with two sides removed for clarity.
1 shows a perspective view of a fully assembled passive array antenna device 10 having 1a and an opening cover 21. FIG. The fully commercialized device 10 has a cross section of 0.76 meters x 0.
84 meters, 0.37 meters high, weighs 28.
7 kg.

FIG. 3 shows a partially exploded perspective view of the assembly 30, which includes a pair of horns 11, a quadrature mode junction 12, a pair of two-pass power combiner-divider networks 16, And three phase shifters 15, which are interconnected using beryllium copper spring clips 23. The assembly 30 is a simple building block and forms a major part of the antenna device 10 by repeating a predetermined number of times.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a portion of the assembly 30 shown in FIG. Orthogonal mode splicer 1
2 is coupled to port 31 of the two-pass power combiner-splitter network 16 via a portion of a straight waveguide 32 that includes a through port 34 having a male waveguide slip junction 33a at its end. You. Side port 37 of quadrature mode splicer 12 is coupled to port 31 of two-pass power combiner-splitter network 16 via 90 degree E and H planar waveguide 35. The 90 degree E and H planar waveguide 35 also has a male waveguide slip joint 33a at its end.
The male waveguide slip junction 33a connects to the female waveguide slip junction 33b at the input of the two-pass power combiner-divider network 16.

FIG. 4 shows the inside of the horn 11 and shows the cross partition 13 disposed at the opening of the horn. The non-contact through-port partition wall 34a is disposed at a junction between the horn 11 and the through-port 34 of the orthogonal mode connector 12. FIG. 4 also shows a side port partition 37 a formed on the side wall of the side port 37 of the orthogonal mode junction device 12. FIGS. 3 and 4 more clearly show that the adjustment component 24 is used for the horn 11, the quadrature mode splicer 12, the linear waveguide 32, and the 90 degree E and H plane waveguide 35. .

The phase shifter 15 is provided with a CNC from its opening terminal.
It is pre-set between 0 and 360 degrees by the machining material to create the appropriate length and is easily replaced to create the desired phase distribution. Each horn 11 and orthogonal mode splicer 12 are each injection molded into two parts, and the cross bulkhead 13 is injection molded into one part. The five parts, including the horn 11 and the orthogonal mode splicer 12, are joined together by a structural adhesive,
It is then plated with copper by electroless metal deposition to produce the final subassembly.

The 90 degree E and H planar waveguide 35 is injection molded into two parts, joined together by a structural adhesive, and plated with copper by electroless metal deposition to form the final sub. Generate an assembly. 90 assembled
The E and H planar waveguides 35 are coupled to side ports 37 of the quadrature mode splicer 12. Phase shifter 15 and all types of power combiner-divider networks 16, 17, 1
8 are each molded into two parts. Machining, plating by electroless metal deposition, and applying RF load 26 to power combiner-divider networks 16,17,18.
Are inserted, the two parts are mechanically joined using rivets 32 (FIGS. 7, 8, 9) which are arranged using molded self-aligned parts and stamping out the tabs of the components. They are joined together.

FIG. 5 shows that a 32 sub-array assembly 30 including two horns 11, two quadrature mode splicers 12, four phase shifters 15, and two two-pass power combiner-divider networks 16 comprises an intermediate It is shown that the subassembly 30 of 4 × 16 elements is formed by being joined to the structural panel 36. The output of the two-pass power combiner-divider network 16 is the intermediate structure panel 3
6 and enters the input port 41 of the four horizontally polarized and four vertically polarized eight path power combiner-splitter networks 17. The eight-way power combiner-divider network 17 is mounted below the structural panel 36 and juxtaposed to one another to properly place the waveguide. The details of the eight-way power combiner-divider network 17 are shown and described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the passive array antenna device 10. Four 4 × 16 element subassemblies 30
(FIG. 5) is mounted on the main structure panel 42. The two output power combiner-divider networks 19 are mounted below the structural panel 42. For simplicity,
Only one of the two output combiners-divider network 19 is shown, which comprises five two-path power combiners-
One subset of the divider network 18. A second output combiner-splitter network 19 passes through, spaced from that shown in FIG.

The sixteen interconnected waveguide input ports 43 pass through a structural panel 42 of eight horizontally polarized eight vertically polarized eight path power combiner-splitter networks 17. Enter output port 44 (FIG. 5). 4
On the underside of the middle pair of the path power combiner-splitter network 18 is one horizontally polarized and one vertically polarized output port (not shown). By mounting the opening cover 21 and the side panel 21a on the support panel 42, the passive array antenna device 10 is completed. If circular polarization is desired, the aperture cover 21 can be replaced with a three-layer meandering polarizer 21b having a loss of 0.1 dB.

FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 show details of the power combiner-divider networks 16, 17, 18 used in the antenna device 10. FIG. More specifically, FIGS. 7 and 8 show details of an exemplary embodiment of an eight-way power combiner-divider network 17 used in the antenna array device 10 of FIG. FIG. 7 shows an 8-pass power combiner.
2 shows a fully assembled pair of splitter networks 17; FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of the horizontal 8-way power combiner-divider network 17 with the assembled vertical 8-way power combiner-divider network 17 disposed thereunder. FIG. 9 shows a typical near net four-pass power combiner.
FIG. 3 shows a partial development of the divider network 18. FIG.
Shows a perspective view of two fully assembled and housed four-pass power combiner-divider networks 18. FIG.
1 shows a developed view of a two-pass power combiner-divider network 16.

Each eight-pass power combiner-divider network 17 is formed into two halves 17a, 17b in a near net shape and divided along its broadwall axis. You. Some machining is required in the multiple ring region 28 of each multiple ring power combiner-splitter network 17 to produce a predetermined and fixed output power ratio. After machining, both halves 17a, 17b are copper plated by electroless metal deposition. The RF load 26 is formed in a near net manner, includes a self-complementary component 48 and is inserted into the bottom half of each eight-pass power combiner-divider network 17. The two halves 17a, 17b are joined using a molded adjustment piece 24 and held in place by a mechanical rivet 32. Copper ground clip 46
Are provided to ensure good electrical contact with other elements in the completed device 10. Ground clip 46
Without them, the two-pass and four-pass power combiner-divider networks 16, 18 are similarly designed, manufactured, plated, and assembled.

Similarly, each two-pass and four-pass power combiner-splitter network 16, 18 is configured along the wide wall axis in a shape that is nearly net to the two halves 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b. Divided. Light machining is required in the hybrid ring region 28 of each hybrid ring power combiner-splitter network 16, 18 to produce a predetermined fixed output power ratio. After machining, each half 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b is plated with non-electrodeposited copper. The RF loads 26 are formed in a near net shape, each with a power combiner-divider network 16,18.
Into the bottom half. Half of each one
6a, 16b, 18a, 18b are joined using molded adjustment pieces 24 and held in place by mechanical rivets 32. A copper ground clip 46 is provided.

As shown in FIG. 11, the phase shifter 15 is a portion of a U-shaped plastic waveguide having a fixed waveguide length. The phase shifter 15 is set to a preset value between 0 and 360 degrees by the machined material from its open (flat) end to produce a suitable length. The ring region 28 of the two-pass power combiner-divider network 16 is lightly machined to produce a preset fixed power ratio, which is shown in more detail in FIG.

From the above, it can be seen that the present invention provides a new method for producing a lightweight, phased array satellite antenna device 10 using a hybrid injection moldable and thermoplastic material at low cost. Will. The antenna device 10 includes an assembly of microwave components, which are plated and assembled or combined to form an RF antenna component, "net".
And injection molded to a "near net" shape. These components are necessary to mold and obtain the final configuration, such as the appropriate waveguide height and width dimensions, adjustment protrusions, partitions, deformations, coupling slots, filter cavities, etc. Having all of the internal physical properties,
F performance is made effective.

Referring to FIG. 3, in the case of a horn and quadrature mode junction assembly, the two RF components (of the tapered horn 11 and quadrature mode converter or splicer 12) are integrated into one unit. To minimize unnecessary, heavy and expensive flanges and hardware. The horn and orthogonal mode joining assembly includes four plastic molded parts that are easily assembled using mounting parts and characteristic internal adjustment parts that are molded into parts.

The horn and orthogonal mode joining assembly are
Molded into two halves 11a, 11b (FIG. 3), which have a precisely molded joint at a mating surface designed to support a structural bond by means of an adhesive, which joint is a half The parts 11a and 11b are joined together. One half 11a has a continuous increased triangular cross section along the periphery of the part. On the fitting part, a corresponding triangular groove is formed. During assembly, the adhesive is applied to the grooved surface. A flat spatula is used to level the adhesive in the groove, leaving the exact amount to bond the material. The dimensions of the matching ridges and grooves are such that when assembled, the exact volume of the adhesive is squeezed out at the joint seam to create the desired bond line without squeezing out excess adhesive. Is set to The dimensions of the mating parts, when assembled, set the exact volume of adhesive to form a bond line of a predetermined thickness.

The two mating surfaces are uniquely designed to form a uniform and reliable bond line when assembled. A suitable structural adhesive is applied to the groove.
A spatula is used to level the adhesive, removing any material remaining in the groove. The groove is set to hold the exact amount of bonding adhesive required to stably bond the halves together.

The coupling pin and the slot have two halves 11
a, 11b in the desired position and to provide the physical volume needed to ensure a uniform bond line thickness between the parts and to hold the parts together during the cure cycle Provide necessary mounting parts for The two 90 degree elbows 35 are coupled to the horn 11 using similar mounting techniques. The horn and orthogonal mode splicer assembly are then chemically and / or mechanically cleaned and plated to the required thickness using the desired metallization. When gold flash plating is used as the final metallization, no further final treatment is required.

Generic ring hybyrid networks 16, 17, 18 (hybrid r
ing) Power combiner-divider network 16, 17, 1
8) is molded into a "near net" shape in the desired physical alignment. The dimensions of the composite ring allow for a minimum amount of material to be molded, thereby limiting the power split / coupling ratio. Once the specific power splitting relationships are established, the simple machining performed on the generic network is set according to their individual order specifications, personalizing each. After machining and marking of the parts, the networks 16, 17, 18 are plated (with the desired metallization for RF), the RF load 26 is installed and the two halves are joined. The technique of joining is rivet 3
2, including chemical bonding agents, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, or other fasteners and coupling parts. Fastener interconnection techniques are used to minimize installation time, reduce the total number of mechanical components, and simplify integration of individual RF components. The fastener components are designed to have hooks and loops as integrated components of the RF component or as separate components. Each network 16, 17, 18 is molded, machined, plated, and assembled using similar methods.

Special RF / mechanical couplings are used to make the assembly of the RF subassembly easy and accurate. The joint is designed as a male and female sliding joint 33, secured in place with each other, using clips and springs or integral snap parts. The design allows for quick and accurate manual assembly, eliminates the need for expensive adjustment fittings, and obviates the difficult installation with prior art screws, inserts, nuts and washers. The assembly is reduced in weight by eliminating or minimizing prior art hardware and flanges.

Each horn output (two in the disclosed embodiment, horizontal and vertical) is made to a particular length,
Used to provide the desired RF phase length for that output port. The phase shifter 15 has two halves 15a,
15b (FIG. 11), separated along the wide wall of the waveguide and having an integral internal fixed adjustment component. The two halves 15a, 15b are connected to the required group of (family
ly) molded into a net length forming the longest of the phase shifters 15; The ports are marked, plated with the desired metallization and tied together. The desired phase shifter for each port is made from common molded plastic parts, plated, assembled and the desired R
Pinned to F port. If another phase length is desired, the phase shifter 15 is easily removed and replaced with a pre-made "clip" fastener.

The comprehensive molded plastic power combiner-divider networks 16, 17, 18 are designed to operate over a range of power split ratios by substituting the required bulkheads before molding. You. Each power combiner-divider network 16, 17, 18 is molded into two halves and splits along the wide wall of the waveguide, as shown in FIGS. The mold is designed to accommodate the range of inserts used to achieve a particular power split. Power combiner-divider network 1
The numbers 6, 17, 18 and their ratios are predetermined based on statistical analysis. Once determined, the number of specific ratios of the required power combiner-divider networks 16, 17, 18 is shaped. It is designed so that the surface of the partition wall 34a does not contact along the wide wall of the waveguide. After plating,
The resistive load is easily assembled to the bulkhead 34a, and
The two halves are joined together to form a unique microwave power combiner-divider network element. For any desired combination of power split ratios, the coupling of those components is easily achieved by mutual coupling.

The coupling line junctions used in creating the elements of the antenna device 10 use interconnecting components designed to measure a defined amount of coupling material. The flange RF choke provides a PIM free bond between the flange and the wide wall. The fastener parts are beryllium copper (Be-
Cu) including the use of clips and fasteners made of plastic. Generic RF manifol
d) is molded and slightly modified by numerically controlled machining to produce a particular antenna product.

An embodiment embodying the present application provides a conventional ground-mounted passive array antenna device 10 with the same RF performance and the same volume as a conventionally used 1.2 meter reflective antenna. It offers a 75% reduction in cost, a 80% reduction in ground station area, and a 95% reduction in shroud volume over Gregorian antennas. The passive array antenna device 10 has a lower center of gravity than conventional antennas to improve the spacecraft inertial characteristics.

Thus, an improved injection molded faced array antenna device for use in a satellite has been disclosed. It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely illustrative of some of the many specific embodiments that illustrate the principal application of the present invention. Obviously, many other modifications can be easily devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the claims of the present invention.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a device block diagram illustrating a typical injection molded phased array antenna device according to the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a practical example of a fully assembled device with the opening cover and the opening cover support panel removed.

FIG. 3 shows a four phase shifter interconnected using spring clips, a pair of horn / quadrature mode splicer assemblies,
FIG. 4 is a partially exploded view of an assembly including a pair of two-pass power combiner-divider networks.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a portion of the assembly shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a 4 × 16 element sub-array assembly in the apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the device of FIG.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a 1 × 8 power combiner separator network used in the apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a 1 × 8 power combiner separator network used in the apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 9 shows a partial exploded view of a typical, near net four-pass power combiner-divider network.

FIG. 10 shows an isometric view of two fully assembled and assembled two-pass power combiner-divider networks.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a two-pass power combiner-divider network.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 passive array antenna device 11 radiating element (horn) 12 orthogonal mode junction device 13 cross partition wall 14 beam forming network 15 phase shifter 16 two-pass power combiner-divider network 17 8-pass power combiner-divider network 26 RF load

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Richmond D. Bruno United States of America 95129 San Jose Oak Nordrive 1370 (72) Inventor Terry M. Smith United States California 94020 La Honda Alpine Road 9703

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A phased array antenna device, comprising: a plurality of horn radiation elements made of injection-molded and metal-plated plastic; and a plurality of corresponding vertical and horizontal polarizations respectively coupled to the plurality of horn radiation elements. A plurality of quadrature mode splicers made of injection molded and metallized plastic for producing an output; two separate beams associated with two independent beams respectively coupled to the outputs of the plurality of quadrature mode splicers Vertical and horizontal beam-forming networks of injection molded and metal-plated plastic that establish a unique phase and strength that produce an output of the plurality of orthogonal mode junctions. Injection molded and metal plated plastics, each tied to an output A plurality of two-pass power combiner-divider networks made of injection molded and metal plated plastic coupled to adjacent ones of the phase shifters; A plurality of eight-pass power combiner-divider networks of injection molded and metal-plated plastic coupled to the two-pass power combiner via an intermediate structural panel; and the eight-pass power combiner through a main structural panel. A plurality of four-pass power combiner-divider networks of injection molded and metal-plated plastic coupled to a power combiner to produce vertical and horizontal polarization outputs, respectively, of the antenna device. Characterized phased array antenna device. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said eight-way power combiner-divider network comprises four two-way power combiner-divider networks. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said four-way power combiner-divider network comprises two two-way power combiner-divider networks. 4. A predetermined constant output power ratio wherein each two-path power combiner-divider network cooperates with said phase shifter to uniquely determine any desired output beam shape. The device of claim 1, comprising: 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each horn radiating element includes a cross partition disposed at an opening thereof. 6. Each of the orthogonal mode junction devices includes a non-contact through port partition disposed adjacent to the through port, and a side port partition formed on the side wall of a side port. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 7. The two-pass power combiner, wherein the quadrature mode splicer uses a linear waveguide including the through port.
The apparatus of claim 6, coupled to a port of the divider network. 8. The power combiner-splitter network and the linear waveguide include a waveguide slip joint at each of their ends coupling them together. An apparatus according to claim 7. 9. The quadrature mode splicer has a side port coupled to a port of the two-pass power combiner using 90 degree E and H planar waveguides. An apparatus according to claim 7. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said power combiner-divider network and 90 degree E and H planar waveguides include waveguide slip joints at their ends. 11. The phase shifters are set to a predetermined value between 0 and 360 degrees from their open ends by machining the materials to produce a desired length. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that: 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said eight-way power combiner-divider network includes an RF load. 13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said respective power combiner-divider networks are joined by injection molded self-adjusting components and mechanically riveted. 14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a side panel and an opening cover coupled to the support panel. 15. The four-pass combined ring power combiner.
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the divider network is machined in the composite ring area to generate a predetermined and fixed output power ratio. 16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said eight-way power combiner-divider network includes self-capturing components. 17. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a conductive ground clip coupled to said power combiner-divider network to ensure electrical connection.